Air Conditioning
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Stay Cool With Our AC Services!
Your air conditioning is an important part of living comfortably and safely in North Carolina. When your unit breaks during extreme summer temperatures, you need quality repairs quickly. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or a complete replacement, our team at Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air provides the best professional services in western North Carolina.
Air Conditioner Repair
At Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air, we are available 24/7 for all your AC repair emergencies. Our mission is to keep you safe and comfortable. Our AC repair services cover all the most common types of units and components, including:
- Air handlers: These are the most complex air conditioning units and contain many moving pieces. They work by passing the air over an AC coil and then into the vents of your HVAC system.
- Fan coils: This version of the air conditioner is much simpler than an air handler. It only uses a fan and a coil to cool the air. You typically find them in commercial HVAC systems.
- Evaporative coils: These coils expel the heat generated by the air conditioner and allow the cool air to move through the system. Every unit has one, and they’re essential for proper functioning.
- Condensing units: Condensing units cool the refrigerant and turn it from a gas into a liquid. They’re a universal air conditioner component and complicated to repair.
No matter the complexity of the repair, our technicians can find a solution and promptly return your home to comfortable temperatures.
Air Conditioner Replacement
Eventually, all air conditioners break beyond repair, and our team can be there during times of need with our 24/7 emergency services. We can install a newer, more energy-efficient model quickly to get you feeling cool once again. What determines if you need a new air conditioner? Here are a few factors to consider before AC replacement:
- Age: Depending on how well you maintain them, air conditioners can last anywhere between ten and 20 years. If your unit is at least 15 years old, it will likely need replacing soon.
- Frequent repairs: As your unit ages, it needs more frequent repairs. If the cost of the repairs exceeds what you’d spend on a new unit, it’s time to upgrade.
- High energy bills: Newer air conditioners are more energy-efficient than old ones. If you notice your air conditioner running less efficiently or your energy bill keeps increasing, a new model saves you money in the long run.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
The best way to keep your air conditioner efficient and effective is by scheduling routine AC maintenance. Air conditioning maintenance allows a Ward PH&A technician to examine all aspects of your AC unit for underlying malfunctions and needed repairs. This preventative service can extend the life of your unit, lower utility bills, and improve indoor air quality. During maintenance, your HVAC professional will perform the following tasks:
- Check and replace the air filter.
- Confirm proper refrigerant levels
- Verify electrical connections
- Ensure your thermostat is set correctly and working
- Lubricate moving parts
- Clean drain line
Depending on the type of air conditioner your home utilizes can determine exact maintenance tasks performed. We recommend scheduling AC maintenance at least once a year, preferably in the spring, to ensure your system is prepared for the summer!
Call Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air For All Your Air Conditioner Needs
Do you need help with your air conditioning system? Our Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air team is here to help around the clock. We find solutions to every problem, no matter how simple or complex. Call us today at 828-785-4912 to book an appointment!
Repair or Replace Calculator
Calculator for the $5,000 rule
The $5,000 rule is an industry accepted rule for determining whether to repair or replace an HVAC system. Multiply the age of your equipment by its estimated repair cost. If the outcome is under $5,000, you should probably repair. If over $5,000, you should replace.
Give us a call at 828-586-WARD to schedule your service or estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time that it takes to install a new air conditioning system can vary based on a few factors. Generally speaking, our team can get your new AC system installed in one day. But can vary depending on how big your home is and if we need to replace the ductwork.
If you’ve ever felt lost in the sea of BTUs, tons, and SEER ratings, you’re not alone. It’s like finding the right key for a lock in a massive keychain; it needs to fit just right. We’re here to guide you through the labyrinth of choosing the perfect air conditioner size for your home. Because, let’s face it, when it comes to cooling your space, size really does matter.
The stakes? Optimal comfort, energy efficiency, cost savings, and the longevity of your unit. Too big, and you’re wasting energy and money, not to mention dealing with excess humidity. Too small, and your AC will be struggling like a hero in an epic saga, trying (and failing) to conquer the vast heat of your home.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to upgrade, or simply curious about the world of HVAC sizing, you’ve come to the right place.
Understanding AC/HVAC Sizing
Air conditioners talk in the language of British Thermal Units (BTUs) and tons. A BTU is the amount of heat your AC can remove from a room in an hour, and a ton is just a fancy way of saying 12,000 BTUs. Getting the size right is like picking a team for tug-of-war; you want the strength that matches the challenge without going overboard.
Here’s a quick central AC sizing guide in the form of a table:
Home Size | AC Size (BTUs) | AC Size (Tons) |
700-1,000 sq feet | 18,000 | 1.5 |
1,000-1,200 sq feet | 21,000 | 1.75 |
1,200-1,400 sq feet | 23,000 | 1.92 |
1,400-1,600 sq feet | 24,000 | 2 |
1,600-1,800 sq feet | 27,000 | 2.25 |
1,800-2,000 sq feet | 30,000 | 2.5 |
2,000-2,200 sq feet | 33,000 | 2.75 |
Here’s a table showing the BTU size for a window/split AC you’ll need for rooms of different sizes:
Room Size | Square Footage | AC Size (BTUs) |
Small | 150-250 | 5,000-6,500 |
Medium | 250-350 | 7,000-8,500 |
Large | 350-550 | 9,800-12,500 |
What Influences Your AC Size?
- Room Dimensions: This one’s straightforward – the bigger the room, the more BTUs you’ll need to cool it down. It’s like filling a pool; a bigger pool needs more water.
- Insulation Quality: Good insulation keeps cool air in like a thermos. If your home is well-insulated, you might not need as big an AC unit.
- Window Size and Sun Smackdown: Big windows or those that get a lot of sun can heat up your space faster than a small, shady window, which means you might need a stronger AC to combat the heat. Increase capacity by 10% if the room is very sunny.
- Crowd Control: More people means more body heat. If you’re hosting weekly dance-offs, consider that in your AC size. If more than two people regularly occupy the room, add 600 BTUs for each additional person.
- Tech and Appliances: Electronics and appliances are secret heat sources. Ever noticed how warm your computer gets? Yeah, your AC feels that too. Increase capacity by 4,000 BTUs if the unit is used in a kitchen.
Don’t Forget the SEER
While you’re sizing up, peek at the SEER rating. It’s how efficient your AC is with energy. Higher SEER means less energy used, and who doesn’t like saving a bit on bills?
Calculating Your HVAC System Size
- The Quick Math: As a starting point, you can multiply the room’s square footage by 20 BTUs. It’s like estimating paint for a fence, giving you a ballpark figure.
- The Pro Way: For a fit as perfect as your favorite jeans, HVAC pros use the Manual J Load Calculation. It looks at everything – room size, windows, walls, even the number of lamps you have – to get the precise BTU number.
Professional HVAC Assessment
While DIY has its place, it’s wise to call in HVAC professionals when it comes to cooling your space. They’ll make sure you get the right size, saving you from a tale of wasted cash or a home that’s never quite comfortable.
Utilize online search tools for “HVAC contractors near me” and vet the options carefully. At Ward PH&A, we’ve been serving our Western North Carolina communities since 1977, with expertise in HVAC installations.
Give us a call at (828) 785-4655 to get started with your AC installations in Western North Carolina!
FAQs
What happens if I skip the professional HVAC assessment?
Skipping a professional assessment can lead to incorrectly sized HVAC systems, resulting in inefficient operation, discomfort, and increased energy expenses.
Can home renovations affect my HVAC system’s size?
Yes, renovations such as additions, insulation upgrades, or significant layout changes can affect the heating and cooling requirements of your home, necessitating a reassessment of your HVAC system’s size.
How does the number of stories in my home affect HVAC sizing?
Multi-story homes may have different heating and cooling needs for each floor, influenced by factors like heat rising and varying levels of insulation or window exposure.
There are many reasons why your air conditioner may be making loud or strange noises. If you notice unusual sounds coming from your AC system, you should call our team for an inspection. A licensed and trained HVAC professional will be able to diagnose the issue and provide repairs to stop the problem.
See What Your Neighbors Are Saying About Ward!
Jeff came back to the House for a secondary issue. As usual, he was very professional, and very confident with his performance. He identified the problem, ordered the part and got back with me as soon as he had an estimate. Jeff is very skilled and knowledgeable. I appreciated the way he explained exactly what the issue was is coworker Matt was on top of things as well. Highly recommend these guys.
THANK YOU!
Great job, guys.
Update - 12 days and still no solution! No return of my call for status!
Thanks for doing such a wonderful job!
Technicians Alan and Caleb arrived promptly this afternoon. Found my leak and repaired but also checked out my house throughly. So pleased and Alan and Caleb were perfect gentleman
Highly recommend Ward Plumbing
Explained in detail what was needed to repair water leak from frozen pipe fitting.
Great people to work with.
Thank you !!
Arrived in the scheduled time frame checked all of the components and pinpointed the issue in a timely manner. I will continue to use Ward and Ian for my HVAC needs.
GFish
If you need HVAC service I recommend Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air.
I have been satisfied with the entire process, from the initial phone call through the service provided today.
Thank you!